Don’t forget to pack these travel essentials for your journey across the sea! And of course, make sure you have your passport signed and ready to go well before you need to take off! From making sure you don’t have to purchase anything away from home, to saving as much space as possible in your luggage; I’ve got you covered for necessary items. Let’s ‘take off’ into the list!
This site contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
TSA Precheck
TSA precheck is a must if you’re a frequent flyer. It is well worth the price. TSA precheck costs less than $1oo, and it is good for 5 years! This will make the start of your journey stress free. You can get to the airport with ease and never worry about making it through security in time for your flight. Find your gate, use the bathroom, get a coffee, and fill up your water bottle for your fight!
Universal Outlet Adaptor
If you’re traveling to another country then an outlet adaptor you can use anywhere is going to be essential. We use this Universal Travel Adaptor. Different countries have different electrical outlet plugs, so don’t be stuck unable to charge your phone because your charger doesn’t fit the outlet! An international adaptor has different plugs and ports compatible with different countries. They can be used around the world for your small electronics like phones and tablets. You can buy them online or at any tech store. This is going to be a game changer. You can’t forget this on your international adventures!
A Good Carry-On Bag
Good carryon luggage is going to be a life saver on any trip. Whether you prefer a hard or soft case, make sure that it fits the carry-on size prerequisites so that you can fit your bag in the overhead bins on an airplane. Feel free to pack a full sized bag to check, if that is what you prefer. A carry-on is going to be lighter and more convenient for travelling internationally when you’re lugging your things around a foreign country, up hills and steps, sitting or standing on public transportation, and traversing cobblestone streets. Trust me, the lighter and smaller your bag; the easier it will be on your back and shoulders! Having your bag with you will also lessen the chance of waiting too long at baggage claim, or misplacing your bag. If you buy luggage that says it’s a “carry-on” it should be the correct dimensions. Most airlines require that your carry-on luggage is 22 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches high. If you’re unsure of the dimensions you need for the overhead bins on an airplane, including wheels and handles, you can check specific Airlines dimensions on their websites. Being able to lock your bag is personal preference, and so is the fabric that you choose. Make sure the bag glides comfortably and you’ll be ready to go. I use this Luka bag by Calpak and I love it!
Portable Charger
A portable charger is a great thing to have if you’re away from your hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or wherever you’re staying for long periods of time. I don’t know about you, but when I’m in a new place I start my day early in the morning and stay out, trying to capture everything that I can, until late into the evening. If you aren’t able to stop in somewhere that has wall plugs available to charge your phone then having a portable charger is going to be key. I use this portable charger, but look around and I’m sure you can find some great ones online or at the store, to fit your needs.
Airpods
AirPods or whatever noise cancelling headphones that you prefer are going to be amazing while flying. They are great for drowning out loud noises so that you can relax or read. They’re perfect for listening to your music, or movies and shows while flying.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing Game is so great for entertainment on a long flight. There are many games that can help the time fly by! You can connect your Nintendo Switch to your Bluetooth headphones or listen to music and watch movies while playing. Sit back and relax on those long flights!
Rain Coat
A rain coat is going to be a great addition to your traveling wardrobe. Whether you’re on a tropical island or Glasgow in December; this is a must have. There are many places where it is guaranteed to rain any time of the year. You can wear a raincoat over layers of sweaters and thermal vests to stay warm in colder weather. It doesn’t matter how warm your winter coat is, if it isn’t waterproof you will get soaked through and be freezing without that waterproof top layer. You don’t want to run into a restaurant soaking wet just to lay your dripping coat on a chair, and have it still damp when you need to put it back on and brave the elements. It’s also nice not to have a bulky winter coat taking up a lot of space in your luggage. Trust me.
Travel Soap Bars
Bars of soap are your friend! If you’re staying in hotels or other places where they have soap, shampoo, and conditioner, then you may not need to pack these. If you want to pack your own soaps; soap bars are a great alternative to liquid. You can buy bars for shampoo, conditioner, and body soap to pack without worrying about anything leaking. Pack them in reusable containers or a sealable bag. These are amazing for traveling in another country, or if you’re staying in hostels where you don’t know if they will have soap available. Or pack these if you want to have shampoo and conditioner bars that you already know will not damage your hair while away from home. You can find soap bars at local shops or online. We buy ours from a local Zero Waste shop called Mama & Hapa’s.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are amazing for compacting all of your clothes into a smaller space. Using a few packing cubes does wonders to create more space in your luggage. Whether you’re using a carryon or full sized bag, these will definitely come in handy. We use these Thule Compression Packing Cubes from Amazon. They are amazing, but a bit pricey. There are a lot of different options out there so shop around and find what works best for you!
Backpack
Pack a backpack that is big enough to carry all of your essentials for flying. Make sure that it is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you on the plane. A waterproof bag is a great idea if you’re planning on carrying it around everywhere. One with a big water bottle pocket, and very comfortable straps is the best. Make sure that you pack a bag that will have the least strain on your shoulders so that you’re not miserable all day while you’re out and about. Pick a backpack with the right look for you. Whatever backpack you choose will be your own personal preference
Good Shoes
Durable and comfortable shoes that are broken-in are going to be your best friend on any trip where you’re planning on doing a lot of walking. Plan on packing a good pair for city walking that won’t let you down or give you any discomfort over long periods of wear. Pack an extra pair like sandals, formal shoes, or another comfortable pair of shoes that you know will be a great backup. Don’t pack too many shoes or take up too much space if using a carryon.
Good Water Bottle
A reliable water bottle will serve you well on all legs of your journey. It’s brilliant to have in the airport so that you don’t feel the need to buy bottled water. You can fill up your water bottle at the airport filling stations. Once you’re on the way to your destination, exploring the city, hiking, or relaxing on the beach; having a nice water bottle is going to be a big help.
Bag For Dirty Clothes
Having a bag to put dirty clothes in will always be a great help on your travels. You can save dirty clothes in a separate bag to keep your other things clean, and use it to take your clothes to a local laundromat if necessary.
Save this list for future reference when planning your next international trip!
